The National Retail Federation and industry research firm IBISWorld have unveiled some depressing projections for Mother's Day, coming up Sunday. NRF's 2009 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey places total spending at $14.1 billion (just above $12.73 billion in 2009 Easter spending), noting that Americans will spend an average of $123.89 per person, down from $138.63 last year. IBISWorld expects gift giving to drop a steep 14.7 percent, to a mere $12.9 billion (just 1.6 percent of the amount the government will spend on the stimulus).

According to the IBISWorld report, more consumers will shop at discount
stores, downgrade purchases and eat at home. In a statement, senior
analyst George Van Horn said the economy appeared to be in a
"steep" downward trajectory. "With the economic picture so unclear, gift
giving just isn't in many household budgets--even if it is for Mom."

As for Dad, the numbers for Father's Day aren't out yet. But judging from last year, they won't be pretty.___
*Are you serious? Not even a greeting card?!